Hey all,
Wondering if any of you have been to Maui and if so, if you could make some lodging recommendations. I'm in the very beginning stages of considering a trip in Feb '10 but am feeling a bit stunned by the lodging costs!

Peg

On my one and only trip to Maui, we stayed in a condo in Kihei. Very reasonable, as I recall. We liked having a kitchen so we didn't have to eat out every meal. (DS was only four.) Not the greatest beaches within walking distance, but lots of restaurants were close by and plenty of excursions take off from the "downtown" area. Better beaches available near the hotels, most of which have public access. Yes, the Grand Waielea (sp?) resort, where KD got her "spa chef" start, is nearby.

I've been twice to Maui (1997 and 2001).

In '97, we rented a condo right on (almost in!) Maalaea Bay. Back then, the MB area wasn't as built up as it is now, but if you're planning to take any whale watching tours, snorkeling expeditions, etc., they most all set sail out of MB pier, so it's a nice central location.

In '01, we stayed in the Embassy Suites in Kaanapali. Again, right on the water, but a very busy, built-up touristy area. The suite was IMMENSE, which was great, but the louvered doors (to the atrium and to the bathroom) offered nearly zero sound privacy.

If you want to go WAY off the beaten path, you could get a place down Hana way, but that is going to mean a lot of driving if you want to move around a lot.

Kihei is another very popular area that is also on MB but more on the "arm" of the bay vs. the center of it where we stayed.

If memory serves, the restaurant where KD came to fame is on the Kihei side, but further down into an exclusive area, the name of which escapes me right now.

Best Maui Travel Book IMHO: Maui Revealed

Ugh, not yet anyway for February. $850+ for me right now.

Peg

I've not been there, but last week I saw a blurb on the Travel channel about the great deals in Hawaii. I think they were saying that you can get amazing upgrades- like suites for the prices of regular rooms and car rental upgrades for free.

My SIL was there over Christmas and suggested that she's like to fly first class next time as the flight was loooong. Not sure if there are good airline deals available?